 |
||
Signs Symptoms of TMJ:What are the Signs and Symptoms of TMJ and Treatment Options?Before we dive into the signs symptoms of TMJ, firstly you might ask what is the TMJ?TMJ is the tempero-mandibular joint which is the joint that connects your mandible to your skull. Does your jaw click when you yawn? Does your jaw ache when eating or after a night’s sleep? Do you get headaches associated with your jaw pain? These are a few examples of common complaints given to me daily at my physiotherapy practice from clients. From my experience the signs and symptoms of TMJ are varied and many. In my practice I often see two TMJ problems a day and rarely are any two presentations the same. So what does TMJ disorder actually mean? TMJ disorders cover an umbrella of chronic and acute painful presentations of the TMJ. People coming to me with problems around their jaw present with varying degrees of pain and impairment to movement and function. The most common problems I see relating to the TMJ are:
What structures are affected in TMJ disorders? The structures TMJ problems affect are muscles, ligaments, capsule and the joint itself. I frequently see problems with teeth, neck pain and back pain associated with TMJ movement problems. The most important first step is to recognise the primary cause of TMJ problems. Frequently, I see people who have their bite changed through intense dental work when the source of the TMJ alignment problem is the neck or skull bones primarily. In these situations, dental work could have been avoided if the primary source of the problem was identified from the outset. So, again this comes back to my key principle in the management of painful conditions - the importance of an accurate diagnosis from the outset. This involves understanding your condition in conjunction with a thorough examination from a well trained Physiotherapist, doctor and - possibly - dentist. To summarise, TMJ problems are varied and many and may affect your neck, back and bite. It can be associated with headaches also. Most importantly an accurate diagnosis of the source and the cause is needed to ensure the most appropriate and effective treatment course. Symptoms of TMJ. "What symptoms will I have with TMJ dysfunction?" I'm often asked this question but it is impossible to clearly answer!! Firstly, they vary greatly and can be very complex. The symptoms vary a lot as there are so many structures potentially involved in TMJ pain. Most commonly affected structures are Muscles, nerves, tendons, ligamnents, bones and teeth. Most commonly reported symptoms associated with muscle problems of TMJ are pain and dysfunction. Muscle problems can present with varying degrees of limitation of movement of the jaw. Clicking and popping of the jaw is commonly heard and felt by patients with muscular conditions of the TMJ. The causes of muscle problems associated with the jaw are usually as a result of overuse due to faulty mechanics of the bite aggravated, for example, by chewing of gum or pencil biting in many of my student clients! Grinding and excess clenching of the teeth related to structural or stress-related issues are other common causes of such symptoms. Myofascial trigger points are commonly palpable in these patients. In this situation muscles are the primary cause of TMJ dysfunction but over time may result in biting/grinding related problems, and eventually tooth problems and joint problems. If the muscle problem is identified early enough the secondary teeth and joint problems can be avoided but, unfortunately, most TMJ problems I see are not this simple. More commonly I see complex presentation of symptoms similar to the complex make up of the TMJ anatomy. The TMJ is a two joint system involving its ability to rotate and slide in its movement of biting. With movement anomalies generally present in TMJ presentations wear and tear of both the bony and cartilage surfaces of the joint is present. This can lead to clicking and clunking but eventually pain will result and, unfortunately, patients and therapists often do not recognise this dysfunction as a problem until pain has evolved which often leads to a more serious and longer term intervention in the management of the pain. Headaches and earaches, facial pain and tinnitus are common pain complaints by this stage. This is due to their proximity and interrelationship with the TMJ. Finally, teeth play a role in TMJ disorders. Either directly by their alignment, position and movement relative to the jaw or by their absence contributing to abnormal pressure distribution through the joints and muscles can potentially cause a disorder or pain. Further References:TMJ Surgery. TMJ surgery can be very successful and a great relief to the patient suffering from TMJ pain. However, before we go on - I feel strongly that all other options should be exhausted first before you go down the surgical route. Find out more at TMJ Surgery.TMJ Causes. TMJ problems are commonly associated with neck and back conditions. Unfortunately, TMJ dysfunctions are often overlooked or not diagnosed by therapists and doctors. Find out more at Causes of TMJ. TMJ Treatment Options. There are two aspects involved in the treatment of TMJ disorders: Pain relief and mechanical correction. Find out more at TMJ Treatment Options. Exercises for TMJ. Even severe TMJ pain symptoms can be relieved with specific exercises. It just takes the right exercises - and a continued effort over time. Find out more at TMJ Exercises. TMJ and Neck Pain. Neck Pain is a very usual consequence of TMJ - I rarely see a client with TMJ pain that is not associated with neck pain. Find out more at TMJ Neck Pain. TMJ and Tinnitus. Tinnitus is often a symptom of a TMJ dysfunction. Find out more at TMJ Tinnitus. TMJ.ORG. The TMJ association is a patient advocate organisation - giving you access to the thoughts and opinions of others suffering from this condition, as well as treatment approaches that worked for them. Find out more at TMJ.ORG. The Mayo Clinic. Gives the formal medical perspective on TMJ treatment including use of drugs and surgery. Find out more at Mayo Clinic TMJ info. Return from Signs Symptoms of TMJ to TMJ Pain Return from Signs Symptoms of TMJ to Back Pain Relief Home |
Custom Search
Sign Up for Our Free
|
|
Back Pain OverviewBack Pain ProductsBack Pain TypesBack Pain ManagementSpecific Back PainFitnessSports InjuriesLearn MoreSubscribe To This Site      |
||
|
Return to top |
Home |
Good Posture | Spine Anatomy | Lower Back Pain | Upper Back Pain | Middle Back Pain | Neck Pain Relief | Shoulder Pain | Hip Pain | Buttocks Pain | Back Pain Remedies | Back Pain Relief Products | Back Surgery | Exercises for Back Pain | Pregnancy and Back Pain | Whiplash | TMJ Pain | Sciatica Treatment | Back Arthritis | Spinal Stenosis | Scoliosis | Herniated Disc | Tendonitis | Bursitis | Pilates Exercises | Disclaimer | Privacy | Sitemap | Contact Us | |
||
|
The information on this web site does not replace specific medical advice. It should only be used to complement advice from your doctor. Always seek in-person advice from a doctor or other qualified health provider for your particular condition. | ||
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.